Trump Administration Denies Asylum for Victims of Abuse and Gang-Related Violence

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Attorney General Jeff Sessions Orders Judges to Stop Granting Asylum in Cases of Violence by “Non-Governmental Actors”

The Trump administration continues to make immigration to the United States more and more difficult, even for victims of violent crimes and people living in dangerous circumstances in their home countries.

As a result of Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ latest immigration ruling, a woman from El Salvador has been deemed ineligible for asylum in the U.S. Her appeal for asylum came after she endured years of physical and emotional abuse and rape at the hands of an ex-husband in El Salvador. Her reported attempts to escape this abuse by relocating to a different part of the country were unsuccessful. In 2016, the Board of Immigration Appeals granted her asylum, citing the Salvadoran government’s apparent inability to adequately protect her.

However, as of June 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions overturned the Board’s ruling, stating that from now on, “claims by aliens pertaining to domestic violence or gang violence perpetrated by non-governmental actors will not qualify for asylum.” Though Sessions acknowledged the “vile abuse” the woman had experienced, his ruling that judges should no longer grant asylum in such cases remains for the time being.

Sessions’ ruling sends a message to U.S. border officials, clearly insinuating that people who come to the border asking for entry on the basis of fleeing violence from gangs or family members should be turned away, as they will not be given a hearing or be permitted to request asylum.

We Believe Every Asylum-Seeker and Victim of Violence Deserves a Chance

If you are a victim of violence or abuse seeking refuge in the U.S., fear not. Though the Trump administration continues to make it harder for people to qualify for asylum, it is still possible, and our team at Mathur Law Offices, P.C. is here to make sure you are given the opportunity.

Since Attorney Sanjay Mathur founded our firm in 1999, our Dallas immigration attorneys have successfully helped people like you navigate the immigration system, receive asylum, and solidify their legal status in the United States. We understand you are facing complicated obstacles as you pursue safe, legal residence and our firm is prepared to help guide you through this daunting process. No matter the current political climate, our team is always up-to-date on the latest developments in U.S. immigrations laws and practices, and we are your best bet for achieving a positive outcome.

We are on your side. Call today to speak to an experienced immigration lawyer in Dallas.

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